Recommendations for wife's computer

[mrichardson2]

Originally posted by: poisonthewell
I totally agree with a previous poster that the proposed rig is overkill based upon its intended use. The proposed components are not necessary to do the basic functions listed in the original post.

1) I don't see the point of having a $100 video card if there will be no gaming involved. A $30-40 card with DVI will be fine for editing photos. You can readily find these at NewEgg or ZZF
2) Go socket 754. It can more than handle M$ Office and eBay surfing. A processor and good 754 mobo will cost around $130-$150.
3) PSU does not need to have that much power. 350w is plently. Get the Antec slk3000b case from amazon which comes with a PSU.
4) Get 1gb of value ram from corsair (as previously mentioned), kingston, g.skill, mushkin

Your proposed rig will be easier to sell in the future because it will appeal to more buyers than what I have suggested; someone could turn it into a gaming machine fairly easily. My suggestions are geared toward the stated use of the computer (assuming you'd like to spend less money and receive similar performance) and with that in mind I cannot agree with your choices.

Thanks for your reply, let me respond a little:

1) I don't want to spend $100 on a video card since there is no gaming involved. However, socket 939 is PCI Express and the only cheaper option is a 6200TC for about $50. So I can save about $50 on the video card, and I am considering that. I am unaware of a $30 PCI Express card.

2) Granted s754 will handle what she wants to do. However, it's outdated. It's not compatible with any components in my system (s939) Also, no DC memory. Also, no Venice core, which I love. Yes, I can drop down to a s754 cheapo board for $50 (saving $20 on the Chaintech s939 board) and drop her all the way down to a AMD Sempron 2600+ Palermo for $66 (saving $100 on the processor)

3) I do not buy cases with power supplies already in them - never have, never will, even though it's Antec. Yes, a 350W PSU is probably fine for her, but I like the TruePower 2.0 series PSUs.

4) As stated earlier, why go from OCZ to Corsair VS to save $10??


My point in this forum was not to find the cheapest computer to build my wife.

She gave me $650 of her money. She said build me a fast computer for my business.

I get no special reward if I give her money back.

She is college educated, and will notice when my PC opens a file in 2 seconds and her machine takes 8 seconds. She knows I almost built a socket 754 system then opted for a socket 939 because I said it was better. She will not believe that suddenly socket 754 is better, or "acceptable" since it's just for her.

She has a monitor, keyboard, speakers, Windows XP Pro, etc.

All I wanted was for people to comment on the components I was looking at using in her rig. Is this a good motherboard? Is this PSU okay or is there something better for around the same money? Does anyone know anything about this particular class of video cards, etc?

I am not interested in saving her $100.

If she is unhappy with her new rig my a$$ is grass.

I want to buy the most computer power I can for $650 - no more, no less.

Thanks for helping.

 

[poisonthewell]

Okay sorry then your build is perfect good luck.

 

[kleinwl]

As the previous poster has stated... you are throwing away money on some items... $650 isn't enough to waste (ie. seperate PSU / $100 video card)

Go with the Antec Solution. Great Value, and the power requirements of your wifes computer will not even come close to stressing the system. Save yourself the cash.

The other suggestion is to go with integrated graphics (Biostar w/ Gforce 6100 for $59 or MSI K8NGM2-L (w/ Gforce 6100) for $66 (newegg)).

The $100 savings can go to a speed bump... more ram, or even a nicer case.

I've used the rosewell before... and they are adequate... but by no means quiet or pretty.

The Lite-ons are also pretty noisy... maybe a NEC 3550 or a Benq DW1640 would be a better choice.

What kind of monitor/KB/Mouse/speakers does your wife have? I'm sure she will notice an improvement in these features more than any speed differences between your two machines.

 

[Eug]

Do you work for Dell? It's the only reason I can think why you'd recommend "name brand PC" to someone on a forum asking about internal computer components. If I was someone who would buy a Dell, I probably wouldn't know how to use a forum.

LOL.

If she is unhappy with her new rig my a$$ is grass.

Hence my original recommendation. Dell has a 21-day return policy.

No, my time is not worthless. It will take 1 hour to build, and 2 more hours to install Windows, update and test. 3 hours total

Considering you have so many independent parts that you have probably never tested together, I'd say you're optimistic to think you won't need any troubleshooting time. It's very possible you're right, but like I said, that's optimistic.

Anyways, good luck in your build.

 

[mrichardson2]

Originally posted by: kleinwl
As the previous poster has stated... you are throwing away money on some items... $650 isn't enough to waste (ie. seperate PSU / $100 video card)

Go with the Antec Solution. Great Value, and the power requirements of your wifes computer will not even come close to stressing the system. Save yourself the cash.

The other suggestion is to go with integrated graphics (Biostar w/ Gforce 6100 for $59 or MSI K8NGM2-L (w/ Gforce 6100) for $66 (newegg)).

The $100 savings can go to a speed bump... more ram, or even a nicer case.

I've used the rosewell before... and they are adequate... but by no means quiet or pretty.

The Lite-ons are also pretty noisy... maybe a NEC 3550 or a Benq DW1640 would be a better choice.

What kind of monitor/KB/Mouse/speakers does your wife have? I'm sure she will notice an improvement in these features more than any speed differences between your two machines.

I've been looking at the Asus A8N-VM CSM with the 6150 integrated video. I like Asus - had good luck in the past. I want to have firewire, just in case and the Asus comes with firewire.

I've had good luck with Lite-On over the years, CD Roms and now DVD Burners. Heard good things about Benq so I'll check them out.

Her speakers are usually off, and she hates my new keyboard and mouse - she'll already stated she's keeping those. The monitor is a none issue for now, has a 17" CRT and a 17" LCD whenever she wants to hook it up (she likes CRTs - don't ask me why)

If I go with a ASUS w/integrated graphics, that does free some cash for a better case, a little more HDD space (in case I need it for backup storage off my machine) and a faster PSU.

Thanks for the ideas!

 

[diablofish]

Since you're not interested in saving money and have found and selected the components you want, you've got your system all set - just go build it.

If for some reason you ever decided you wanted to save money, you can stick with s939 and get a board with integrated video (BIOSTAR GF6100-M9) and add the video card later if she really needs it. That saves you $100 right off the bat since the Biostar board is comparably priced to the Chaintech board you've selected.

I don't know how intricate the PS work is she's doing, but I'm guessing it's minimal if its only for selling stuff on eBay.

You know the situation the best, since you live with her. ;-)

 

[mrichardson2]

Originally posted by: Eug

Do you work for Dell? It's the only reason I can think why you'd recommend "name brand PC" to someone on a forum asking about internal computer components. If I was someone who would buy a Dell, I probably wouldn't know how to use a forum.

LOL.

If she is unhappy with her new rig my a$$ is grass.

Hence my original recommendation. Dell has a 21-day return policy.

No, my time is not worthless. It will take 1 hour to build, and 2 more hours to install Windows, update and test. 3 hours total

Considering you have so many independent parts that you have probably never tested together, I'd say you're optimistic to think you won't need any troubleshooting time. It's very possible you're right, but like I said, that's optimistic.

Anyways, good luck in your build.

Thanks, but other than a different mobo, the CPU, heatsink (AMD retail) RAM, power supply, HDD, DVD Burner, and Floppy Drive are all parts I've used before, that's sorta why I like them.

True, the motherboard and case are new to me, but I've never found it terribly difficult to put the board in the case. I got my AS5 all set to go (no thermal pad for me), set it, HSF, pop in PSU, RAM, Video, connect HDD, DVD - triple check everything and FIRE IT UP!

I've never had to spend time troubleshooting parts. I've always viewed PC building on this level as sort of a jog saw puzzle. Each piece has only 1 spot to go.

Thanks.

 

[mrichardson2]

Originally posted by: diablofish
Since you're not interested in saving money and have found and selected the components you want, you've got your system all set - just go build it.

If for some reason you ever decided you wanted to save money, you can stick with s939 and get a board with integrated video (BIOSTAR GF6100-M9) and add the video card later if she really needs it. That saves you $100 right off the bat since the Biostar board is comparably priced to the Chaintech board you've selected.

I don't know how intricate the PS work is she's doing, but I'm guessing it's minimal if its only for selling stuff on eBay.

You know the situation the best, since you live with her. ;-)

Thanks for your reply! I was just hoping for comments on a few of the components I selected, to see what people think? I got an Intel/Dell debate instead!

I will look at the BIOSTAR board (or ASUS too) If I save $100 here, I can spend it elsewhere.

PS work is basic, crop, resize, etc. She doesn't apply filters, work in multiple layers, etc.


Basically, I've never used Chaintech VNF4, and was unsure of the video card. Just needed some input there I guess.

Thanks!

 

[Eug]

Most of the issues I've had with my PC builds are not related to the hardware assembly per se, but the drivers. Once in a while you get combos which just don't play nice with each other. However, if they're common parts, usually it's not a major issue.

 

[mrichardson2]

Originally posted by: Eug
Most of the issues I've had with my PC builds are not related to the hardware assembly per se, but the drivers. Once in a while you get combos which just don't play nice with each other. However, if they're common parts, usually it's not a major issue.

Yeah, been there done that, that's true.

That's why I can't stand VIA chipsets (very bad experiences with the KTA133 way back when)

Lately, I like AMD + nVidia - for both chipsets and video. They seem to play nice together.

But some of the old builds years ago . . . glad those days are gone! Of course, forums like this weren't as common or as useful then either.

Thanks.

 

[RSMemphis]

Consider a Shuttle NForce 4 barebone with built-in VGA (unless you need DVI out). If you want a separate graphics card, I would get a passively cooled low-end card.

 

[funkrocker049]

I just glanced over the build list and everything seems to be in order. I definitely suggest building your own since you'll get a better system for a minimal premium. The only real benefit of a Dell is if you don't want to build/support the system yourself.

I would probably choose a cheaper power supply such as this one from Fortron. It's a great unit and even at only 400w it's still overkill for this system. Can be had for $40 at newegg. I would put the extra money into getting more ram. Maybe aim for 2gb (2x1gb) of ValueSelect. That's where she'll see the most advantage.

 

[kleinwl]

[True, the motherboard and case are new to me, but I've never found it terribly difficult to put the board in the case. I got my AS5 all set to go (no thermal pad for me), set it, HSF, pop in PSU, RAM, Video, connect HDD, DVD - triple check everything and FIRE IT UP!

I've never had to spend time troubleshooting parts. I've always viewed PC building on this level as sort of a jog saw puzzle. Each piece has only 1 spot to go.

Thanks.
[/quote]

Hehehehe... I've built many machines... and let me tell you sometimes they just ship you a dud! I don't care if its ASUS or ECS (though I avoid ECS like the sickness they are) nobody is 100%. That's when it gets bad. You have spare parts to swap around to isolate the problem... so you already up on most people... but the RMA and return will still suck up at least a week... and add all the extra time swapping parts/running to the post office/etc.

So while... yes you may be building a unit in only 3 hours... and be fine... the chances are there that this will be a week long project... with a couple of runs to FRYs (post office/watever).

 

[bob4432]

you could always go the opteron 939 route and if she is not happy with a 144 (which i really can't tell a difference between it and my p4 @ 3.0GHz, the p4 encodes a little faster, but super pi is faster with the 144, but not my much) the o/c, like i plan on doing to 2.5GHz...

that way she will know you are definately looking out for her as she can have a faster machine than you

 

[mrichardson2]

Can anyone comment on the nvidia 6100 vs the 6150. It seems to me the 6150 is better, but everyone here mentioned the 6100 specifically. Any reason?

I'm looking at the MSI K8NGM2-FID Socket 939 NVIDIA GeForce 6150

Also, for a case/psu combo the Antec Solution SLK3700-BQE w/Smart Power 2.0 350W PSU - should be enough power, right? Has dual 12V rails, 24 pin connector, 4 SATA connectors, PCI Express connector (should she need a PCI express card down the road, etc)

Taking the $100 savings and maybe increasing RAM, or getting better OCZ RAM and overclocking the whole rig up to 2.4 or so. I've been reading that these things clock good, some say better than expected 2.5 LDT or higher with Venice 3200.

Also, bumped her HDD to WD 160 gb SATA 3.0 gb/s (same ones I use and I love them)

Thanks!!

 

[Malladine]

I like bigger numbers, get the 6150

350W is plenty and antec will do you well.

If you're gonna spend the extra cash on anything, i'd get 2gb ram for those mega photoshop sessions.

 

[mrichardson2]

Originally posted by: Malladine
I like bigger numbers, get the 6150

350W is plenty and antec will do you well.

If you're gonna spend the extra cash on anything, i'd get 2gb ram for those mega photoshop sessions.

Thanks. Re: photoshop, it's minor work she does. I've got 1GB in my rig, and I do heavy work in PS (on a scratch disk) and also video editing/rendering, DVD creation, etc (also on the scratch disk) and 1GB works fine for me.


Here's the way the final system is looking:

My Shopping Cart

QTY. ITEM & DESCRIPTION ITEM# PRICE TOTAL

Antec Solution SLK3700-BQE Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case Single fan 350W SmartPower ATX12V Power Supply - Retail CF11129140 $79.49

MSI K8NGM2-FID Socket 939 NVIDIA GeForce 6150 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail CF13130529 $83.89

AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Processor Model ADA3200BPBOX - Retail CF19103535 $155.99

OCZ Gold Series 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Unbuffered Dual Channel Kit System Memory Model OCZ4001024ELDCGE-K - Retail CF20227211 $142.49

NEC Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal Floppy Drive - OEM CF21152005 $7.99

Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM CF22144415 $82.39

LITE-ON Black ATAPI/E-IDE DVD Burner Model SHW-160P6S - Retail CF27106013 $43.49

SUBTOTAL PRICE $595.73


Out the door for $623


With this setup, she's got a quick access HDD, onboard video but can upgrade to PCI express card later if she wants to, and the venice 3200/OCZ Gold ram, same as I have. I'm running an easy overclock at 2.5 ghz 2-2-2-6 1T DDR500.

I hope to get her system running to 2.3 - 2.4 ghz with decent timings, maybe a little looser since I won't be able to push the voltage on the cpu/vdimm as much as with my DFI nF4.

Thanks for your help!!

 

[mrichardson2]

Hmm, forget to check that MSI GeForce 6150 for SATA II, which it doesn't support. So she'll have to live without the 3.0 gb/s speeds of SATA II - oh well. I still think this set up makes the most sense.

EDIT: This is wrong, it does support SATA 3.0 gb/s through nForce 430 chipset.

 

[Malladine]

:thumbsup:

 

[Finns14]

Still don't have a monitor in there or do you have an old one you plan on using?

 

[mrichardson2]

Originally posted by: Finns14
Still don't have a monitor in there or do you have an old one you plan on using?

Got several monitors to choose from, so I'm covered there.

 

[Finns14]

IC but still think the comp you are building for her is overkill

 

[mrichardson2]

Originally posted by: Finns14
IC but still think the comp you are building for her is overkill

Gotta think about the future man. Why build a s754 when s939 is faster and more upgradeable should her needs change.

How else can you get a PC this fast for $600? Why spend $450 or $500 and go slow and not have any upgrade path at all?

Socket 754 is dead. Dell should be too for what they charge vs what you get.

 

[mrichardson2]

Originally posted by: mrichardson2
Hmm, forget to check that MSI GeForce 6150 for SATA II, which it doesn't support. So she'll have to live without the 3.0 gb/s speeds of SATA II - oh well. I still think this set up makes the most sense.

CORRECTION:

Geforce 6150 DOES support SATA 3.0 gb/s through the nForce 430 chipset.

From the MSI website product info.

I will correct earlier post.

 

[Finns14]

Originally posted by: mrichardson2

Originally posted by: Finns14
IC but still think the comp you are building for her is overkill

Gotta think about the future man. Why build a s754 when s939 is faster and more upgradeable should her needs change.

How else can you get a PC this fast for $600? Why spend $450 or $500 and go slow and not have any upgrade path at all?

Socket 754 is dead. Dell should be too for what they charge vs what you get.

s939 will be dead in a matter of month too or have you not hear of M2 but hey its your money